What's even better than warm weather and sunny days? More time off to enjoy them with friends and family! Heat up the barbecue and get ready to have your friends join you in celebrating the first long weekend of the summer. That's the spirit! Good company, dinner sizzling on the grill, a warm summer night and a cold drink in your hand… What better way to pass the evening?
True — some cocktails are classics, but what makes summer special is the flavours of fresh produce, not to mention the sunny colours and playful garnishes. While it may be a stretch to say summer cocktails are good for you, many of the ingredients also pack a healthy punch. (In moderation, of course). Here are some ingredients to add to your list:
Essential summer fare:
- Berries and berry juices. Slice them, freeze them whole or in ice cubes, puree them, blend them — there are many possibilities for these anti-oxidant packed fruits.- Red fruits. Who says berries get to have all the fun? Cherries, grapes, pomegranates and plums also have anti-oxidants, rich colours and juicy textures.
- Citrus fruits and juices. These fruits are packed with vitamin C and are popular as ingredients and garnishes alike. (What would a bar be without lemons and limes?)- Tropical and exotic fruits. Nothing says “tropical escape” like the flavours of pineapple and coconut. For a little something different, branch out into more exotic fare like star fruit, which makes a fuss-free garnish thanks to its shape.
- Herbs. Is mint taking over your garden? You’ll need an excuse to use it up. Other herbs like lavender, basil, rosemary, cilantro and thyme make for some unique and attractive cocktails too.- Beer. Always great on its own, beer cocktails have been getting more attention in the past couple of years.
Our favourite Summer Cocktails:
Mojito
Ingredients: 2 ounces white rum8 mint leaves
Half a lime, chopped
1/2 ounce sugar syrup; club soda
Ice cubes
Instructions: Mash up mint, lime, and sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of ice, then the rum. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled tumbler 1 inch from the rim; top up with club soda.
Bahama Mama
Ingredients: 1/2 ounce 1/2 ounce Kahlúa
1/2 ounce each dark and white rums
Pineapple juice
Pineapple wedge
Mint sprig
Ice cubes
Crushed ice
Instructions: Half fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the Malibu
Margarita
Margarita
Ingredients: 1/4 cup salt
1 wedge lime
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other triple sec orange liqueur
1/4 cup tequila
About 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions: Spread salt on small plate. Rub lime wedge halfway around rim of 10-ounce glass. Dip moistened side of glass in salt to lightly coat. Set aside.
In cocktail shaker, stir together lime juice and sugar until sugar partially dissolves (about 5 seconds). Add Cointreau, tequila, and 1 cup ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds, then strain into prepared glass. Fill glass with remaining ice cubes.
1 wedge lime
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
1 tablespoon Cointreau or other triple sec orange liqueur
1/4 cup tequila
About 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions: Spread salt on small plate. Rub lime wedge halfway around rim of 10-ounce glass. Dip moistened side of glass in salt to lightly coat. Set aside.
In cocktail shaker, stir together lime juice and sugar until sugar partially dissolves (about 5 seconds). Add Cointreau, tequila, and 1 cup ice cubes. Shake vigorously for 25 seconds, then strain into prepared glass. Fill glass with remaining ice cubes.
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz rum
1 1/2 oz lemon juice
4 strawberries
1 tsp sugar
1 1/2 oz lemon juice
4 strawberries
1 tsp sugar
Instructions: Pour the rum and lemon juice and sugar into a champagne saucer with some shaved ice. Stir well. Garnish with 4 strawberries, sliced or otherwise, and serve.
Enjoy your long weekend from Tanya & Jackie @ The Party People
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